Video gaming device with integral printer and ink and print media cartridge

ABSTRACT

A video gaming device, including a casing that includes a receptacle for accepting detachable storage means, the detachable storage means containing an interactive program, the casing incorporating:
         communication means for receiving interaction data from at least one control device operable by a user;   processing means for executing said interactive program at least partially in reliance upon the interaction data, thereby to generate display images for output to an image display means;   an interface for receiving a cartridge incorporating ink and print media; and
 
a printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, and print media feed mechanism, said printer apparatus being operatively associated with said processing means to print one or more gaming images onto print media in response to execution of said interactive program.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/636,194 filed on Aug. 8, 2003, which is a continuation in part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/437,007 filed on Nov. 9, 1999, now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,135, all of which are herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of video games and, moreparticularly, to a video games console having an integral compactprinter device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a video gaming device, including a casing that includes areceptacle for accepting detachable storage means, the detachablestorage means containing an interactive program, the casingincorporating:

-   -   communication means for receiving interaction data from at least        one control device operable by a user;    -   processing means for executing said interactive program at least        partially in reliance upon the interaction data, thereby to        generate display images for output to an image display means;        and    -   a printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, and        print media feed mechanism, said printer apparatus being        operatively associated with said processing means to print one        or more gaming images onto print media in response to execution        of said interactive program.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is providedvideo game apparatus including:

-   -   a receptacle for accepting detachable storage means, the        detachable storage means containing an interactive program;    -   communication means for receiving interaction data from at least        one control device operable by a user;    -   processing means for executing said interactive program at least        partially in reliance upon the interaction data, thereby to        generate display images for output to an image display means;        and    -   a printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, and        print media feed mechanism;    -   said printer apparatus being operatively associated with said        processing means to automatically print one or more gaming        images onto print media at one or more predetermined points        during execution of the interactive program.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of printing gaming information onto a substrate via a videogaming device, the video gaming device including:

-   -   a receptacle for accepting detachable storage means, the        detachable storage means containing an interactive program;    -   communication means for receiving interaction data from at least        one control device operable by a user;    -   processing means; and    -   a printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, and        print media feed mechanism;    -   the method including the steps of:

-   (a) executing the interactive program at least partly in reliance on    the interaction data via said processing means, thereby to generate    display images;

-   (b) outputting the display images for display on an image display    means; and

-   (c) printing, under instruction from the processing means, one or    more gaming images onto print media in response to execution of said    interactive program.

Preferably, the gaming images are different to the corresponding displayimages of the interactive program at the time of printing.

More preferably, the gaming images include interaction information thatcan be utilized by the user to change, or continue along, the course ofthe interactive program.

In a particularly preferred form, the gaming images are indicative ofsuccessful completion of a predetermined task or level of theinteractive program. Typically, this is provided in the form of acertificate that preferably includes information indicative of a scoreor a user that attained the certificate.

In one embodiment, the one or more points are predetermined gamingevents defined by the interactive program. Such points can, for example,be reached upon successful completion of a gaming goal by a user orusers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment video gamingdevice according to the invention with detachable controller module,illustrating a printed card being ejected from the integral printer;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the console comprising printermodule and DVD module with the top controller module removed;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective of the console shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the console shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the console assembly shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the console assemblyshown in FIGS. 2 to 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the console with the printermodule top cover removed;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the printer apparatusincluding the printhead, print media feed mechanism and printhead inkdistribution assembly but excluding the ink supply;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the console showing the printermodule in the raised position for insertion of the print media and inksupply cartridge; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the assembly shown in FIG. 9 illustratinginsertion of a DVD into the DVD player module.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, there is provided a video gameplayer which includes an integral printer which is able to print out,preferably on business card sized cards, information which enhances theinteractivity of the video game.

Turning to the drawings, there is shown a video gaming device in theform of a console 1 comprising a printer module 2 and Digital VersatileDisc (DVD) player module 3. Connected to the console is an optionaldetachable controller module 4 as shown in FIG. 1. The detachablecontroller module can communicate with the console by any suitable meansincluding wireless systems such as “Bluetooth” or cable etc. and can bereleasably secured to the console by any suitable means includingmagnetic coupling 5 or mechanical interlocking.

The printer module 2 and DVD player module 3 are interconnected by meansof connecting housing extensions 6 and 7 which hinge about pivots 8 asshown in FIG. 3. The lower connecting extension 7 preferably includesvarious input/output connectors and ports 9 for optionally connectingjoysticks and other interactive devices. A video outlet port is alsoprovided for connection with standard video type devices as is common inthe art. Further ports can also be provided for an external power sourceor other devices such as sound systems to be interconnected to theconsole.

The DVD player module 3 is able to accept storage means in the form ofstandard DVD game discs 10 as is becoming popular in the industry. TheDVD player is interconnected to a high-end processor (not shown), whichcan be constructed along similar lines to standard high-end video gameprocessors. The processor in turn utilizes memory for standard videogame functions and interacts with the print controller chip, which isalso preferably housed with the high-end processor on PCB 11 within theprinter module 2. The controller chip (also not shown) can be structuredalong the lines set out in Australian provisional application numberPP7024, entitled ‘Image creation method and apparatus filed 9 Nov.,1998, the contents of which are again incorporated by cross reference.Batteries for driving the console are preferably located in the base ofthe DVD player module as shown by arrow 12.

The printer module 2 is preferably constructed so as to simultaneouslyprovide a closure for the DVD player module 3. This is achieved byhinging the printer unit to the DVD module as shown. The printer module2 comprises a base moulding 14 that is configured to fully enclose a DVDdisk-receiving compartment 15 formed in the upper surface of the DVDplayer module 3. The base moulding 14 is further configured to define anintegral chassis structure 16 adapted on its under side to receive andlocate an ink and paper cartridge 18.

The upper surface of the chassis structure 16 is configured to support aprinthead and ink distribution assembly 19, print media feed mechanism20, and ink connecting hoses 21, the latter linking ink outlet nozzles22 on the chassis with ink inlet nozzles 23 provided on the printheadand ink distribution assembly 19. The printer and DVD control PCB 10 isalso supported on the chassis 16 and has flexible connections 26extending therefrom to interconnect the DVD and printer control buttons27 and 28 provided on a top cover moulding 29.

Details of the printhead, ink distribution assembly and print media feedmeans are best illustrated in FIG. 8. The printhead, which is preferablyin the form of a pagewidth ink jet printhead chip, is packaged with anink distribution unit and printhead cover into a printhead module 30.This module 30 is supported on a printhead chassis moulding 32, andfurther includes a printhead capping mechanism 33, paired drive rollers34 and 35, stepper motor 36 and an associated gear box 37 that engagesthe drive rollers 34 and 35.

The preferred ink and paper cartridge is preferably in accordance withthat described in the applicant's co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/436,508 the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference. In the alternate embodiment illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings the ink and paper cartridge comprises a casing 40 defining anupper print media storage region 41 adapted to hold a stack of papercards or sheets 42. A card-dispensing outlet is shown at 43. The lowerportion of the casing defines an ink supply region 45 that is separatedinternally into four sections each of which connect with piercable inksupply outlets 46. Upon installation, these outlets 46 are pierced byformations in the underside of the base moulding so that ink flows fromthe cartridge to the outlet nozzles on the chassis 16, via connectinghoses 21, to the printhead and ink distribution assembly 19.

In yet another embodiment, the printer unit and print media containercan be snap fitted into the console.

In use, the console is connected to a video device and a DVD 48 isinserted into the DVD player module 3. Appropriate controllers are thenselected. These may be the detachable controller module 1 as shown inFIG. 1, or alternatively other external interactive controllers. Theprinter can then be operated during execution of the program in the DVDeither manually or automatically as discussed in more detail below.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the preferredembodiment provides for a video game system enabling print on demandcards. These cards can be utilized for a number of purposes. Firstly,the video game can, at certain predetermined levels, print out a seriesof ‘brag cards’. These can provide a high-resolution picture that canonly be achieved at a certain point in the game. The brag cards can bepersonalised with the game players name, score, chosen character,accumulated wealth or objects, etc. The cards could also include aphotographic likeness where the video game arrangement includes anoptional image sensor (not shown). With such an option, the brag cardscould also be personalised with a photographic likeness mapping on to 3Dcharacters etc.

The DVD player can be adapted to play standard DVD movies in addition tobeing configured to read CD-ROMs so as to provide information fromencyclopaedias, maps etc provided by other CD-ROMs or DVD disks. In thismanner, images from DVD movies and information from such CD-ROM or DVDrepositories can be printed out. It should be noted that while thepreferred form uses a DVD player or drive, the interactive programs maybe stored on CD-ROM or on semiconductor memory cartridges, the latterbeing popularly used with pocket sized prior art video game devices.

Additionally, although the preferred embodiment described is designedfor optional use with non portable external display and control devices,the game storage medium, controls, game processor, screen, audio andprinter may all be housed in the same housing, and this may be pocketsized if required.

Where educational software is provided, the printer can be utilized toprint out standard award certificates or diplomas upon reaching variouslevels. Such a system provides for an ideal incentive for childrenutilizing the system to become further involved in educational softwarerunning on the system. The utilization of the printer also allowsparents to monitor children in the utilization of the device through,for example, the demanding of certain information or diplomacertificates being printed out at various steps before the device can beutilized as a game-playing machine. The arrangement can be synergisticbetween the game playing and educational software, where the educationalsoftware prints out a code or clue for utilization by the user inplaying the games. Of course, many other interactive uses can beprovided.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention asshown without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention asbroadly described. Accordingly, the present embodiment is to beconsidered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

1. A video gaming device, including a casing that includes a receptaclefor accepting detachable storage means and a lid pivotably connected tothe casing for closing the receptacle, the detachable storage meanscontaining an interactive program, the device incorporating:communication means for receiving interaction data from at least onecontrol device operable by a user; processing means for executing saidinteractive program at least partially in reliance upon the interactiondata, thereby to generate display images for output to an image displaymeans; an interface for receiving a cartridge incorporating ink andprint media; and the lid incorporating a printer apparatus including aprinthead, ink supply unit, and print media feed mechanism, said printerapparatus being operatively associated with said processing means toprint one or more gaming images onto print media, the lid furtherincorporating one or more control buttons on an exterior surface of saidlid for controlling operation of said printer and a print media exitslot through which printed print media is dispensed.
 2. A video gamingdevice according to claim 1 including an integral internal print mediasupply unit.
 3. A video gaming device according to claim 2, wherein saidprint media is in the form of sheets of paper or card.
 4. A video gamingdevice as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sheets are substantiallybusiness card size.
 5. A video gaming device according to claim 4,wherein the sheets are made of cardboard.
 6. A video gaming deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said cartridge includes a print media feedroller device for interacting with the print media feed mechanism tofeed media from the cartridge to the printhead as required.
 7. A videogaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more gamingimages are printed via said printer at one or more points of saidinteractive program.
 8. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 7,wherein said one or more points are predetermined gaming events definedby the interactive program.
 9. A video gaming device as claimed in claim8, wherein said one or more points are reached upon successfulcompletion of a gaming goal by a user or users.
 10. A video gamingdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein said printhead comprises an inkietprinthead.
 11. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 10, whereinsaid ink jet printhead comprises a pagewidth array of ink ejectionnozzles configured to selectively eject ink by means of a series ofactuators.
 12. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 11, whereinsaid actuators are thermal bend actuators.
 13. A video gaining device asclaimed in claim 10, wherein said printhead is a microelectromechanicalsystem (MEMS) printhead.
 14. A video gaming device as claimed in claim1, wherein said detachable storage means comprises a Digital Video Disk(DVD) executable by a DVD player module.
 15. A video gaming device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said detachable program storage meanscomprises a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM).
 16. A video gamingdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detachable program storagemeans comprises a semiconductor memory cartridge.
 17. A video gamingdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication means comprisesa wireless communication system.
 18. A video gaming device as claimed inclaim 1, including a detachable controller module incorporating avariety of interactive control devices.
 19. A video gaming device asclaimed in claim 18, wherein said controller module is releasablyconnected with said console by means of a magnetic coupling.
 20. A videogaming device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the gaming images aredifferent to the corresponding display images.
 21. A video gaming deviceas claimed in claim 7, wherein the gaming images are indicative ofsuccessful completion of a predetermined task or level of theinteractive program.
 22. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 21,wherein the gaming images take the form of one or more certificates. 23.A video gaming device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the certificateincludes information indicative of a score or a user that attained thecertificate.